​Inline with the The sixty-first session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW61) which will take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 13 to 24 March, we, the We Care for Humanity (WCH), African Women Solidarity Association and Sant Nirankari Mission, in collaboration with the African Union to the United Nations, are partnering for a side event entitled: HEALING AND EMPOWERING WOMEN AND CHILDREN. Our goal is to give solution and empower women and children who have been abused and victimized by domestic violence, acid attack, trauma and mental health.

FEATURED SPEAKERS:

H.E. AMBASSADOR ANTONIO TETEPermanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations

An international career dedicated to strengthening African society on the foundation of democratic values, peace and security.Ambassador Tete Antonio, a trained economist, has been the Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations since 2009. Mr. António received a master’s degree in international economic relations from the University of Kiev in the Ukraine in 1988. He studied at the Faculty of Economics, University of Agostinho Neto, in Luanda (1979-1982), and has studied conflict management and prevention through the Carter Center (1996) and preventive diplomacy at Columbia University (2005).Born in Bembe, Angola, on 22 January 1955, he is a widower and has two children.November 2009 – Present: Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations, New York, USAApril – November 2009: Diplomatic Advisor to the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaDecember 2002 – April 2009:

Ambassador, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Angola to the United Nations

(2003-2004) Minister Counselor, member of the Angolan delegation to the Security Council in charge of coordination of the African issues.

(2006-2009) In charge of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) and other issues related to Peace and Security.

2005: Advisor to the President of the 59th session of the United Nations General Assembly, New York, USA1999 – 2002: Director, Office of the Deputy Minister of External Relations, Luanda, Angola1997-1999: Observer of the African Union to the United Nations Mission for the Organization of a Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), El Aiun, Western Sahara1993-1997: Diplomat at the Embassy of the Republic of Angola to Ethiopia and Permanent Mission to the African Union, Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)1990-1993: Diplomat, Division of the African Union and Specialized Institutions, Africa and Middle East Department, Ministry of External Relations, Luanda, Angola1990-1992: Assistant Lecturer, the Faculty of Economics, University of Agostinho Neto, Luanda, Angola1979-1982: Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Trade, Luanda, Angola​International Observation of elections:

Dr. Ashok K. Gupta (popularly known as AKG in his circle), the Renowned Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon of the Country, has been recently conferred upon with the highest honour of “Padma Shri Award” by the “H.E. President of India”.

Dr. Ashok K. Gupta is a highly accomplished surgeon and teacher affiliated to few of the prestigious hospitals in the city like Grant Medial College, Mumbai, Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Science and Bombay Hospital & Medical Research Centre. Having completed all his primary medical and surgical education from Government Medical College, Nagpur, and then affiliated to the Grant Medical College, Mumbai, he felt that he owed certain obligations to people of the State. To materialise his dream of social service, he began conducting free reconstructive surgeries for the underprivileged in the remote areas. Despite many odds, he continued to help the poor in backward areas in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan.

Dr. Ashok K. Gupta also responded to the call on the nation and extended his highly specialized services to the victims of a number of natural and man-made calamities such as riots during the post Lok Sabha Election 1984, Babri Masjid related violent episodes 1992, the infamous Serial Mumbai Bomb Blasts 1993, heroes of Kargil War, victims of Bhuj Earth Quake, terrorist attack at Akshardham Temple at Gujarat, 2002, Serial Bomb Blasts in Mumbai 2003, Train Bomb Blasts in Mumbai 2006 and the recent Terrorists Attack / Siege of Mumbai on 26th November 2008.

Dr. Ashok Gupta has brought laurels to the country on the scientific fronts as well, being the founder member of the International professional organizations like World Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, the American Society for Reconstructive Transplantation. He also holds Executive Offices at the “World Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery”. He is also featured in the Book on “History of Microsurgery”. ​He had also represented India for eight years as the “National Secretary for India” at the “International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery”.

Dr. A. K. Gupta is grateful to his parents, wife, children and other members of family as well all his patients and members of their family, who had reposed faith in him and allowed him to undertake various complex procedures. They have matured into a group of friends and well wishers and without their understanding it would be impossible to achieve even part of this Herculean task as this one.

For many Dr. A. K. Gupta is the best example of medical miracle man with a golden heart and exceptionally gifted hand. He also has the unique opportunity to treat both “rich and famous to poor and downtrodden” at the same time.

Today, Dr. A. K. Gupta having received the highest recognition of “Padma Shri Award” by President of India is further committed to continue with the commitments with more vigour and vitality.

Ronald Zuker was born in Niagara Falls, Canada and received his MD degree from the University of Toronto in 1969. After a rotating internship in Vancouver, BC and a brief period of family practice in Scarborough, he pursued his interest in Anthropology and Jungle Medicine, spending one year working with the Shipibo Indians in the Amazon basin – eastern Peru. He then entered the McGill University Training program in Surgery and completed the FRCSC in Plastic Surgery in 1976 through the Gallie Programme at the University of Toronto. He received a one year McLaughlin Travelling Fellowship to study microvascular surgery and paediatric plastic surgery in Japan, New Zealand, Australia and Europe. In 1978 he joined the staff of The Hospital for Sick Children as a consultant in Plastic Surgery, was appointed to the Department of Surgery of the University of Toronto as a lecturer in surgery in 1978, an Assistant Professor in 1982, Associate Professor in 1987 and Full Professor in 1994. He served as Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at SickKids from 1986-2002.

As a paediatric plastic and reconstructive surgeon, his primary interest is in facial reanimation and is the recognized worldwide authority. Dr. Zuker is currently co-director of the Facial Paralysis Programme at Sickkids. He also has a major interest in the management of cleft lip and palate and, in addition to his volunteer surgical commitment, serves on the Plastic Surgery Council of “Operation Smile”. He was Medical Director of SickKids Cleft Lip and Palate Program for over a decade.

Dr. Zuker is the past Chairman of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Section of Plastic Surgery, past president of the American Association of Pediatric Plastic Surgeons, and past president of the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery. He is very active in teaching and in the training of future reconstructive surgeons, and in the structuring of the Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation Team in Toronto. Dr. Zuker currently serves as the Medical Director of the International Patient Program at The Hospital for Sick Children.

His clinical focus is on Moebius syndrome, facial paralysis reconstruction, tissue expansion in children, and cleft lip and palate.

As an educational consultant I conduct Motivational workshops on Stress Management, Triple A for Life,Bridging the gap adding values and positivity for the development of youth. Helping young people creates stewardship, ownership, respect and a great sense of pride in our communities. Involvement of young people with the support system of spirituality in community could really influence future town planners and community leaders.

As an educator, I have conducted workshops for youth. I have organized Spelling Bee, and Stress management workshops at Big Facility center India House in Houston Texas. Recently I have conducted a conference in SNM Delhi on AAA- Alive Awake and Alert for Teen agers at Delhi. I have been conducting motivational workshop at India frequently.

As a volunteer of Sant Nirankari Mission, I have been working with cleanliness drives, Cancer Awareness walk and here in Houston. I collaborate with Sewa International for such projects and do those drives frequently. SNM has an ECOSOC status in UN and I am a member of working committee for United Nations. I work with Bhutanese refugees and I teach them English as a second language. I also recruit those students for community college. I have been acknowledged by the board of HCC for helping low socio economic students in the field of education.

I am member of AAMA, the American Alternative Medical Association. (AMERICAN Association of Drugless practitioner). I am a yoga Therapist, teach yoga for Alternative Medicine. Taught meditation to adults and teenagers at Dubai and in USA to expand and reach those interested in healing through the practice of meditation. Private energy healing facilitator. (One on One). Teaching Yoga and Meditation with breathing Techniques for Medical benefits in Community places and institution. I also conduct workshops on Yoga, Meditation and, diet and Neutrinos.

RAVI KARKARASenior Advisor on Strategic Partnerships and Advocacy to the Assistant Secretary General and Deputy Executive Director, UN Women.

With over 20 years of experience, Ravi is an acknowledged expert in various development related fields. He has been driving innovation and advocacy as well as building strategic partnerships in the areas of human rights, participation, inclusion and gender equality, accountability, and social justice. Recently, Ravi developed a partnership between UN Women and the City of New York and organized a unique gender equality march with over 20,000 participants from the UN Headquarters to Times Square. Ravi has built UN Women’s Strategy on youth and gender equality and established and co-ordinates the Working Group on Youth and Gender Equality for the UN Interagency Network on Youth and Development. He developed and led the youth outreach of the UN Secretary General's MyWorld Survey to deliver votes from more than 6 million youth from 193 nations. Ravi has been the recipient of the prestigious NOVUS Award – that unites global leaders from around the world to tackle today's big challenges via actionable change. He has also been appointed as honorary Global Ambassador by the prestigious Junior Chamber International.Inspired by the outcomes of the Beijing Conference in 1995, Ravi is a feminist and has been advocating for gender equality and girls/women’s empowerment throughout his career. He has worked on programs for strengthening women’s political participation in local governance and economic empowerment in South Asia and also served as a pioneering Male Trainer for gender sensitization at the Centre for Social Research’s Gender Equality Training Institute, India. He has been a founding member of the Men-Engage Alliance and was instrumental in forming their South Asian network. As Save the Children’s Sweden Regional Program Manager Ravi worked to mainstream gender and action to end violence against women and children in South Asia and promoted cross-regional programmatic collaboration. He also served on Save the Children’s Global Gender Task Force.Ravi’s publications have been fundamental in forming policy at the United Nations in youth-related areas. Representative publications include: Youth 21: Building the Architecture of Youth Engagement in the UN System”, which contributed to the creation of the United Nations Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth. In addition, he has been the co-chair of World We Want 2015— the largest UN & civil society post-2015 data-curation-visualization big data platform to further engage global populations on Sustainable Development Goals with over 1,000,000 perspectives on sustainable development goals harvested.Additionally, Ravi has worked with other UN agencies and governments. He served as Global Advisor on Youth with UN-HABITAT and has represented UN-HABITAT as the co-chair of the UN Interagency Network on Youth Development. Ravi also served as the Global Strategic Advisor on Partnership with the UN Millennium Campaign. He served as the Global Advisor to the World Conference on Youth in Sri Lanka and contributed to the establishment of the 1st UN Youth Skills Day. He has also worked for UNICEF at HQ and the Regional office for South Asia on child and adolescent participation, gender equality and child protection. He also served as Child and Adolescent Participation Advisor to the UN Study on ending Violence against Children in Geneva. He has written more than 80 publications.@ravikarkara

HER HIGHNESS PRINCESS PUCHERIE SIMPSONAmazon Princess of AbomeyPresident, The Solidarity of African Women for Development USA (SFADU)

Mrs Puchérie Simpson is mostly known by people in all her activities as Amazon Princess of Abomey, Benin. She is a proud descendant of a royal family of Abomey Amazons, who were women warriors in the late 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries of King Behanzin of Dahomey, currently Benin. These women warriors valiantly fought to defend and protect the fatherland of Dahomey kingdom against the invasion and occupation of foreign armies including, in particular, the colonial troops of Western countries. Princess Amazon of Abomey lives in Brooklyn, New York City as a US immigrant. She is active in the vibrant civil society interfacing with the United Nations. She created in the late 2000 a couple of non-governmental organizations, namely Amazon Beninese Women of Goodwill USA (ABGWUSA) and the Solidarity of African Women for Development USA (SFADU).

While ABGWUSA focusses its action on Beninese Women immigrants and the human development of Beninese women in Benin, the second encompasses women of African origin irrespective of their nationality, religion, ethnicity, culture and language. The Solidarity of African Women for Development USA (SFADU) currently gathers women of over 18 African nationalities and has launched several proposals such as the creation of an international bilingual school for girls in Africa to be named after late President Nelson Mandela, that would integrate an international center on women studies and that would be an instrument to accelerate women and girls’ empowerment in Africa; the establishment of women health pavilions in selected leading hospital in the African continent.

Princess Amazon of Abomey actively looks for partnerships to launch and implement a number of projects in her pipeline.

DR. ENAMUL HAQUENephrologist

Dr. Enamul Haque, born in Bangladesh, Brahmanbaria primary education.Started at Brahmanbaria, he was very active and join to red cross as volunteer, while he was aSchool student. He was very known in the small town for his social activities.

Education: dr. Enam has completed his medical graduation from university of Kelaniya , SrilankaThen completed his Fellowship in General practice FCGP from Dhaka Bangladesh, also the same time he completed Certificate course in diabetes CCD from BIRDEM Hospital, a world known diabetic hospital in Bangladesh. He has done fellowship in Nephrology from Bangalore, India.

He is a practicing physician in Bangladesh, also working with emergency evacuation for the patientsBy Air Ambulance and Helicopter Ambulance.

He joined as a medical coordinator at AMDA ( association of medical doctors of asia ) a Japanese NGO in 2006 and worked in remote villages of Bangladesh, in Munshigonj district. Apart from the medical facilities , Dr. Enam started motivate village women to develop their skills, He has formed Aid nurse school with the help of AMDA Bangladesh. Initially there were 5 girls who were school dropped out, joined that school later there is at least 20 students per year who get trained and qualified for aid nurse. He has established an ANC clinic at AMDA premises and educated the village women about safe delivery. Also he has established a sewing school where the village women produced handmade shopping bags with cloth and jute which helped the village women to self sustain.

JOY THERIOTVice President- UN Affairs, We Care for Humanity (WCH)

Josefina Joy Theriot is a wife, mother, career woman, and a non-profit executive. Her professional experience started from the University of Bohol, Philippines where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting with a minor in management. She worked in the Philippines as the National Coordinator for CARP ( Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles) for10 years working with politician, school officials and Student leaders before proceeding to the United States of America after marriage to her American husband and continued in her academic pursuit at Glendale College, Los Angeles, CA for a certification in accounting.

Joy has worked at the New Yorker hotel in New York City as Front desk coordinator for 4 years then become a purchasing manager at Saeilo Inc. in Blauvelt New York. After moving to New Jersey, she worked at Whitney Digital Equipment for couples of years at the same time become a part time volunteer as the regional coordinator of UPF (Universal Peace Federation) in Clifton NJ. In 2006 they moved to Texas and worked at Kemah Boardwalk Hotel, Kemah,Texas . Currently she is working at the Unification Theological Seminary as the Director of Recruitment. President, Family Outreach Foundation; Chairwoman, Women’s Federation for World Peace Houston Texas; Volunteer at Christian Relief Foundation during hurricane IKE; President, Filipino International Association in America (FICA). Currently, she is the United Nations Director for Global Women for Peace and Unity Foundation, a non-profit organization; President, Pathway Resources; and a committee member of Cities for CEDAW, a committee on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Joy was also a member of the organizing committee for the celebration of International Women’s Day at the United Nations, March 9, 2015; and Co-chair of CSW59 and CSW 60 planning committee (Commission on Status of Women NY); and former member of national home school association. She has been married for 27 years to her one and only husband, and they are blessed with 4 children whom she home schooled. The eldest recently graduated with honors, mechanical engineering at West Point, United States Military Academy.

H.E. SIDIQUE WAIPresident and National Spokesperson, United African Congress Inc.​In 1972, Sidique Wai migrated to New York City from Sierra Leone, West Africa and became a naturalized American citizen. Two years later, he received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Pre-Law from Fordham University and continued his education as a graduate student at the Robert Wagner School of Public Service at New York University.

Mr. Wai led the Land Use committee in Community Board 9 and served as Deputy Director and Division Chief for Resident Support Services of the NYC Housing Authority, ensuring needed services to the local senior community. On an international scale, he is the President and National Spokesperson for the United African Congress in America.

Since 2006, Mr. Wai also serves as a Community Relations Specialist and Adviser to the New York City Police Commissioner. He is also a member of the Department of Homeland Security Leadership Roundtable.

Mr. Wai is the first Continental African to run for citywide office. He was a democratic candidate for the 2013 Office of Public Advocate in New York City.

MAMATA VENKATHeartfulness Practitioner

An Ohio native, Mamata graduated from Wright State University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and a minor in Spanish, and later pursued a post-baccalaureate pre-medical program. In 2014, Mamata interned with the NGO Committee on the Status of Women, New York. She is currently working with Global Health Corps, a non-profit global health fellowship organization based in New York City and has intentions of going in to health management and policy. Mamata was a TEDx speaker featured during the 2016 TEDx event in Perrysburg, Ohio, utilizing the theme of (inter)action to discuss the application of meditation to internal and external development, and how success in either does not have to come at the cost of the other. Mamata has been practicing Heartfulness meditation for six years, and has been a certified trainer for one year. ​

AMY SPINAMaster Practitioner and Teacher of Vital Ki Energy

Amy Spina is a devoted master practitioner and teacher of Vital Ki Energy. She has been working with "Ki" for nearly 17 years and has been immersed in the natural healing of body and mind for 30 years. In her younger years, she struggled with many physical and emotional problems and spent years devoted to practicing natural ways of healing the body and mind, through self-reflection, emotional therapies, meditation, spiritual realization, diet, dietary cleanse protocols, various forms of body work, energy healing and energy practice. When she was in her 30's she had a serious crisis which brought her to near homelessness and on the verge of suicide. By coincidence, she came across Ki Energy practitioners who ultimately helped her to turn her situation completely around. Her rocky and intense journey from un-wellness to wellness, has allowed her to understand the deepest and most profound aspects of sickness, healing and wellness. She now devotes her life to helping people heal naturally and understand and use the healing power and wisdom of Vital Ki Energy. She runs a non-profit organization called Ki Fitness America, devoted to Ki Energy healing and believes wholeheartedly that anyone can become healthier and brighter, mentally and physically and spiritually, if they put their efforts and hearts into it.

MINE ANLARCEO, World of Travel and Event Management

Mine is the Founder and CEO of World of Travel & Event Management since 2005. She has 15 years of experience in travel industry and events organization. She is an expert in project management, B2B relationship management, governmental events, organizations and VIP relationship management.

Mine has conducted over 120 projects the past 7 years for many organizations and inter-government agencies. She organized the conference for the North American Media Gathering in the US, in which the Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey attended. She organized the annual meetings for Siemens Turkey in the USA.

Mine is known for her effective management and execution as key organizer of the Annual Turkish Parade and Festival in New York City with the Turkish-American Associations many events and organizations regarding to B2B meetings in the US with the collaboration of the Turkish Ministry of Tourism.

Mine has also planned Million African Diaspora Assembly event, which is the biggest African Diaspora event in the history of New York City for United African Congress and African Community. This event will occur in September 2017.

She organizes events and provides services for TOBB (The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey) and ITO (Istanbul Chamber of Commerce), and many Chambers of Commerce and Industry groups from Turkey. Mine demonstrated talent in cultivating long-term strategic partnerships with key business, culture, United Nations, non-for-profit and government organizations personnel to orchestrate capacity-crowd events that yield optimum returns from self-created tailor-made programming. She has on-going projects in the UN regarding to the cultural diversity.

She is a board member of the Turkish-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry and MUSIAD - Turkish Businessmen Association. She is the sales partner of Turkish Airlines in New York, USA and a strong member of the United African Congress (UAC). She is affiliated and accredited by IATA (International Air Transport Association), ARC (Airlines Reporting Corporation) and ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents).

In 2017, Mine Anlar has been elected as the AK Parti USA National President and Leader for Women, representing the Turkish Government, including the Consulate in the United States.